1972-1981 LANCIA Beta Berlina specifications

Published: 27th September 2014

A gem of a saloon that was streets ahead of other family offerings when it appeared in 1972 with four-wheel disc brakes, twin-cam engine, independent suspension and a five-speed gearbox. Rust in front subframes and wings, with ferocious media hype around it, saw to the car’s UK demise, despite the ’76 S2 being vastly better and Lancia’s introduction of a six-year anti-corrosion warranty before the troubles came to light. Most of the afflicted S1 Betas have gone to the crusher, but there are still cared-for S2s to be found.